Clear terpolymers



Senta 1958 G. L. wasp Em 2,851,444

CLEAR TERPOLYMERS Filed Deo. 7, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 AAA/www Mffwvvx/,WA

CLEAR TERPOLYMERS George L. Wesp, Englewood, and Robert l. Slocombe, Dayton, Ohioz assignors to Monsanto Chemicat Cornpany, St. lLonis, M0.,

a corporation of Delaware Aapplication December 7, 1953, Serial No. 396,4S3

23 Claims. (Cl. 26th-73.5)

This invention relates to three-component interpolymers, commonly called terpolymers, i. e., interpolymers prepared by polymerizing a monomeric mixture consisting of three different monomers. invention pertains to terpolymers In specific aspects the of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, and

monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a lected from said diierent monomer segroup. Other aspects of the invention relate to improved methods of preparing clear terpolylt is by now well known that ethylenically unsaturated monomers diifer greatly in their polymerization reactivity toward each other.

There are in fact some monomers that will not undergo homopolymerization at all, i. e., polymerization of two or more molecules of the same Y monomer to form a polymer of that readily undergo interpolymerization monomer, yet will with certain other monomers. Interpolymerization aords a method of imparting varying characteristics to a polymer, and in many instances such physical admixture of two or more homopolymers. Howcharacteristics cannot be obtained by mere ever, because of the above-mentioned diierences in reactivity among monomers toward each other, marked heterogeneity is the rule in interpolymers and only under special circumstances of suicient homogeneity interpolymer.

as color, encountered in avoided by means such as can an interpolymer be obtained that is to give a transparent or clear While some objectionable properties such interpolymers, can often be the use of stabilizers or lower polymerization temperatures, incompatibility manifested by haze, turbidity,

or opacity in plastics is not overcome by such treatment. f

lf a monomeric mixture is subjected to polymerization and the initial increment of polymer is segregated before the polymerization is allowed to go forward to an appreciable extent, it is frequently possible to obtain` a clear interpolymer, but the commercial impracticability of such a procedure is apparent.

On the other hand, if polymerization is permitted to proceed to a considerable and especially to a high degree of conversion, the more reactive monomer enters than a less reactive consequence that residual unreacted monomer becomes into the polymer to a greater extent monomer or monomers with the resultant opacity and often greatly impaired physical properties. This phenomenon, resulting in an undesirable product, can be overcome to an appreciable but limited extent by gradually adding during the course of the polymerization the more reactive monomer at a rate aimed at keeping the composition of unreacted monomeric mixnited States atent O ture essentially constant. As a practical matter it is extremely ditncult to approach uniformity in such an operation, and it is impossible to use this technique at all in the case of mass (bulk) polymerization in which the polymerization reaction mixture sets up into semi-solid or solid polymer after the reaction is only partly Completed so that yfurther access of added monomer to the total mixture cannot be obtained.

It is only in recent years thatsystematic laboratory and theoretical studies of interpolymerization have gone forward suiliciently to permit a certain amount of predictability in this eld. It has been theorized that in a simple binary system involving the free-radical-initiated polymerization of only two monomers, the composition of polymer will be dependent only upon the rate of four propagation steps, i, e., steps in the propagation of polymer molecules. Thus, taking a system involving two mono-I mens, M1 and M2, a growing polymer chain can have only two kinds of active terminal groups, i. e., a group derived from M1 or a group derived from M2. Either of these groups has the possibility of reacting with either Mi or with M2. Using m11- and m2- to indicate these active terminal groups, the four possible reactions are as follows:`

m Growing Adding Rate of Process Reaction Product Chain Monomer Theoretical considerations lead to the now generally accepted copolymer composition equation which describes the ratio of the molar concentrations of two monomers in the initial copolymer formed from a given mixture of the monomers as follows:

diMzi [Mel'ziMzH-[Mii In this Vequation r1 equals [r11/k12 and r2 equals k22/k21. The terms r1 and r2 are called reactivity ratios. A very considerable body of experimental work has in general confirmed the copolymer composition equation.

A large proportion of possible pairs of monomers are incapable, because of their respective reactivity ratios, of forming under any conditions an instantaneous polymer as the monomeric mixture However there are certain monomer pairs which, in a proportion characteristic of that pair, give a copolymer having the same composition as the particular monomeric mixture. In such instances, abatch polymerization can be carried out with a monomeric mixture of the particular composition with a resultant homogeneous copolymer containing the same relative proportions of the monomers asin the initial monomeric reaction mixture. This composition is known as the polymerization azeotrope` composition, and isrepresented by the equation:

SuchA an azeotrope composition can exist only for thosemonomer-pairs wherein both r1 and r2 are less than one, or theoretically wherein both r1 and r2 are greater than one` although no examples of the latter combination are` known.

While an understanding of interpolymerization involving only two monomers is now possible to a considerable 2,s51,444 v I y n. extent, because of the development of the above-discussed theories, an increase in the number of monomers to three or more obviously tremendously increases the possibilities and complications. Thus, for example if interpolymers'of 100 monomers are to be considered, there are about 5000 possible monomer pairs, but about 160,000 dierent combinations of three monomers are possible, and for each of these 160,000 combinations the variations in relative proportions of the three monomers are infinite. It the assumptions made in the development of the copolymer composition equation still hold true where three monomers are to be interpolymerized, it is apparent that the composition of the terpolymers formed at any given instance will now be dependent upon the rate of nine propagation steps which are dependent upon the relative concentrations of the monomers in the monomericy mixture and the reactivity ratio between each of the pairs of the monomers in the mixture. It has been pointedl out that the study of terpolymers can be simplified somewhat by application of the copolymer composition equation, suitably ymodied for three-component systems, so as to eliminate from consideration monomers whose ability to interpolymerize is so slight that further investigation of such combinations is obviously not warranted. However, the discovery of terpolymers having particularly desired physical properties has to the present time been limited to the needle in the haystack type of investigation. There is an obvious need for some procedure in the terpolymer field whereby terpolymers of particularproperties can be made with a reasonable degree of predictability.

In accordance with the present invention, we have found a group of terpolymers that can be made by freeradical-initiated batch polymerization and that have the very desirable property of clarity. These terpolymers are made by polymerizing a monomeric mixture of certain proportions of three monomers. The proportions giving clear terpolymers will vary from one monomeric mixture to another depending upon the particular monomers present in that mixture. The invention is particularly applied to monomeric mixtures consisting essentially of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl umarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, and monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a different monomer selected from the same group listed under (b). For example, `a monomer mixture consisting of styrene, methacrylic acid and diethyl fumarate will, when subjected to free-radical-initiated batch polymerization, give a clear terpolymer only if the relative proportions ot styrene, methacrylic acid and diethyl fumarate are properly chosen in a manner to be hereinafter described. in contrast, a monomeric mixture consisting of styrene, methacrylic acid and methacrylonitrile will give a clear terpolymer on being subjected to free-radical-initiated batch polymerization only if the relative proportions of the three mentioned monomers in the monomeric mixture are within certain limits which, in general, are ditferent from those of the aforementioned mixtures of styrene, methacrylic acid and diethyl fumarate, and yet which are chosen in accordance with the same principle now to be discussed.

We have found that clear terpolymers of the nature described are made provided the proportions of three monomers in the monomeric mixture are chosen from the area lying along the line joining the binary polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the binary polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand, as plotted on a triangular coordinate graph. By way of example, taking a case where (a) is styrene, (b) is methacrylic acid. and (c) is diethyl fumarate, the point of the binary azeotrope composition of styrene and methacrylic acid is placed along one side of a triangular coordinate graph at the proper location between the apex designating 100 percent styrene and the apex designating 100 percent methacrylic acid. This point is 30.0 weight percent styrene and 70.0 weight percent methacrylic acid. On the opposite side of the equilateral triangle, constituting the triangular coordinate graph, is placed the point representing the binary azeotrope Composition of styrene and diethyl fumarate, this of course being located at the proper position on the side of the triangle between the apex representing l00 percent styrene and the apex representing 100 percent diethyl fumarate. This point is 44.6 weight percent styrene and 55.4 weight percent diethyl umarate. Now a straight line is drawn between these two points. This line cuts across the triangular coordinate graph, without touching the side of the triangle opposite the styrene apex, which side represents varying proportions of methacrylic acid and diethyl fumarate in binary mixtures of same. Methacrylic acid and diethyl fumarate do not form a binary azeotrope. The said straight line joining the two points of binary azeotrope compositions describes three-component monomeric mixtures which, when subjected to free-radical-initiated batch polymerization, give clear terpolymers. Further, there is an appreciable area lying on each side of said line in which the terpolymers are essentially clear. However, one cannot go too far from this line without producing7 terpolymers which are not clear but range from hazy to opaque materials. The invention particularly applies to the area lying within 5 percent on each side of said line; said 5 percent is measured on the graph in a direction normal to the line, and is equal to tive one-hundredths of the shortest distance between an apex and the side ot the triangle opposite the apex. (Another way of saying the same thing is that the invention particularly applies to the area of the graph bounded by two lines on opposite sides of and parallel to and 5 graphical units distant from said line.) Terpolymers made by polymerizing a monomeric mixture having a composition lying in the area within S percent on each side of the line joining the two binary polymerization azeotrope compositions, are generally clearer than polymers made from similar monomeric mixtures lying farther away from and on the same side of the line. In most systems all terpolymers made from monomeric mixtures having compositions in the area lying within 5 percent on each side of thc line are clear. ln some systems the area of clarity may not extend as far as 5 percent from the line. Those skilled in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, can easily determine by simple tests of the nature described herein which monomeric mixtures give clear terpolymers in a given polymerization system. ln all events, the compositions of monomeric mixtures giving clear terpolymers will be found to constitute an area lying along and encompassing the line joining the two binary polymerization azeotrope compositions.

The reasons for the clarity of terpolymers made as described are not known. The line joining the two binary azeotrope compositions does not represent what might be called a series of three-component azeotropes. From much detailed data which we have obtained, the relative proportions of the three monomers in terpolymers made from monomeric mixtures lying along said line are not identical to the monomeric mixture from which the terpolymer is being prepared. In other words, during the course of a batch polymerization of a monomeric mixture whose composition is taken from the line, the composition of residual monomeric material drifts and the terpolymers so formed are not homogeneous mixtures of polymer molecules all of which contain monomer units in the same ratio, but rather are mixtures of polymer molecules having varying proportions of the three monomer units therein. No heretofore known scientific facts or theories of interpolymerization explain our discovery. However, regardless of the Various reasons for believing scope of our invention to l Inerization is carried out by a batch procedure.

that terpolymers made from compositions lying along the line as aforesaid would be heterogeneous, and regardless of the actual reasons for the clarity of such terpolymers, it is apparent that the present invention makes possible the production of clear terpolymers with obvious attendant advantages, especially in tilms and molded articles made from the terpolymers.

The accompanying drawings are triangular coordinate graphs showing compositions of some three-component monomeric mixtures that give clear terpolymers on being subjected to free-radical-initiated batch polymerization.

Figure I represented the system styrene/methacrylic acid/diethyl fumarate.

Figure II represents the system vinyltoluene/methacrylic acid/methacrylonitrile.

By the present invention We can subject a given monomeric mixture consisting of three monomers, selected as described herein, to a batch polymerization and carry the polymerization reaction to complete or essentially complete, say 90 to l0() percent, conversion of all of the monomers and yet obtain a clear solid resinous terpolymer. If desired, the polymerization can be stopped at any point short of completion so long as polymerization conditions are such as to produce solid terpolymer, but this is not necessary in order to obtain a clear terpolymer and would seldom be advantageous. 'Ihe higher the degree of conversion of monomeric mixtures, the greater the advantages of our invention. This is because the greatest extent of heterogeneity kis found with complete conversion to polymers. A high conversion, i. e., at least 50 weight percent conversion and preferably at least 80 Weight percent conversion, is preferred in practicing the invention. However, some of the benefits of the invention may be realized even where the percentage conversion is as low as 20 percent. With very low conversions, the polymer formed tends to approach the perfect homogeneity existing in the Iirst infinitely small increment of polymer formed. As pointed out above, commercial practicality requires that conversion be carried to a value more than a few percent, hence introducing the lack of homogeneity which up to now, the art has not known how to avoid other than by techniques such as gradual monomer addition. lt is to be recognized that the extent of the area of clear terpolymers, lying along the line joining the two binary polymerization azeotrope compositions, is dependent not only on the particular polymerization system but also on the percentage conversion, said area being the greater the lower the percentage conversion, and the smaller the higher the percentage conversion. It is observed that the terpolymers become clearer as the composition of the monomeric mixture approaches the line joining the two binary azeotrope compositions, the general rule being that the clearest terpolymers are those derived from monomeric compositions lying on the line.

It is usually desirable that the three-component monomeric mixture contain at least 2 weight percent, and preferably at least 5 weight percent, of the monomer present in the smallest amount.

The invention is broadly applicable to any free-radicalinitiated interpolymerization of three-component monomeric mixtures containing the monomer combinations and in the proportions set forth herein, provided the poly- By this it is meant that all of the monomeric materials to be employed are introduced simultaneously in the desired proportions into the polymerization reaction system. Ordinarily a single charge of monomeric materials Will be placed in a reaction vessel and the single charge subjected to polymerization conditions until the polymerization is substantially complete. However, it is not outside the meric mixture containing the three monomers in lixed proportions into a How-type polymerization system,`where by the initial polymerizable mixturepasses away from its point of introduction and ultimately is recovered as introduce continuously a monoprocess, and that additionally solvents,

polymer. This can be accomplished by continuous flowing of the monomeric mixture into the rst of a series of polymerization reaction vessels with continuous flow of reaction mixture from one vessel to another along a series of two or more such vessels with ultimate recovery of polymer from the last in the series. Those skilled in the art will understand that this operation is essentially a batch operation in the sense that additional monomeric material of composition different from the original mixture is not introduced into a partially polymerized material. Thus, the term batch polymerization, as used herein, means a polymerization which does not involve the gradual or incremental or subsequent addition of a monomer or monomers having a composition different from the initial monomeric mixture.

The invention is perhaps most advantageously eiected by the mass or bulk polymerization procedure. In such procedure the reaction mixture is free from added solvent or other reaction medium and consists solely of monomers, resultant polymers, and catalyst and regulator, if any. An important advantage of the invention is that such a mass polymerization can be effected to produce a clear terpolymer in a situation in Which it is impossible 'to use the gradual monomer addition technique discussed above.

lf desired, the interpolymers of the present invention can be made by the suspension or the emulsion polymerization techniques. For suspension polymerization a reaction medium such as Water is used together with a small amount of suspending agent, for example tricalcium phosphate, carboxymethylcellulose, etc., to give a suspension of particles of initial monomeric mixture, which Vparticles are not of such small size as to result in a permanently stable latex. Where the particles are of quite large size, this type of polymerization is often called pearlfpolymerization To eiiect emulsion poly merization, sumcient amount of emulsifying agent, for example a water-soluble salt of a sulfonated long chain alkyl aromatic compound, a surface active condensation product of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols or mercaptans, etc., is employed along with vigorous agitation whereby an emulsion of the reactants in water is lformed and the product is obtained in the form of a latex. The latex can then be coagulated if desired by known methods and the polymer separated from the water. For some applications the latex can be employed directly as for example for forming a tilm, and the resulting film after evaporation of the water will be clear when the polymers are made in accordance with the present invention. The emulsion technique has certain advantages particularly in that a very high degree conversion of the monomers is obtained with consider` able rapidity, since the heat of reaction is easily carried oli by indirect-heat exchange with the reaction mixture which contains a considerable proportion of Water. Such polymerizations are often effected with redox-type catalyst systems at moderate temperatures of say 60 C. on down to 0 C. and below.

The polymers of the present invention can also be made in the presence of an added organic solvent. It should be recognized however that the presence of such a solvent ordinarily results in a polymer of lower molecular weight than that obtained in the absence of the solvent.

Conventional recipes and procedures for effecting mass, solvent, suspension and emulsion polymerizations are so Well-known to those skilled in the art, that they need not` be furtherd detailed here.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the term, monomeric mixture, as used in the claims refers only to the polymerizable monomeric materials used in the aqueous reaction media, catalysts, etc., can be present or not in the reaction mixture as may be desired in any particular case. In other words,-in the claims monomeric mixture is not necessarily synonymous with reaction mixture.

Polymerization can be effected by any of the wellknown free-radical mechanisms. The polymerization is initiated and carried on by virtue of free radicals, which can be derived from the monomers themselves on simple heating of the monomeric mixture to a suitable temperature, or can be derived from added free-radical-supplying catalysts, especially the per compounds and the azo compounds, or can be derived by ultraviolet or other Virradiation of the reaction mixture with or without the Additionally, Example 1 describes polymerization carried out in the presence of an added polymerization catalyst or initiator. ln many instances it will be desired to add a suitable polymerization catalyst, in which case suflicient catalyst is employed to give a desired reaction rate. Suitable catalysts are of the free-radical-promoting type, principal among which are peroxide-type polymerization catalysts, and azo-type polymerization catalysts. Those skilled in the art are more fully familiar with a large number of peroxide-type polymerization catalysts and a suitable one can readily be chosen by simple trial. Such catalysts can be inorganic or organic, the latter having the general formula: ROOR, wherein R is an organic radical and R is an organic radical or hydrogen. These compounds are broadly termed peroxides, and in a more specilic sense are bydroperoxides when R" is hydrogen. R and R" can be hydrocarbon radicals or organic radicals substituted with a great variety of substituents. By way of example, suitable peroxide-type catalysts include benzoyl peroxide, ditertiary butyl peroxide, tertiary butyl hydroperoxide, diacetyl peroxide, diethyl peroxycarbonate, Z-phenyl propane-Z-hydroperoxide known also as cumene hydroperoxide) among the organic peroxides; hydrogen peroxide, potassium persulfate, perborates and other per compounds among the inorganic peroxides. The azo-type polymerization catalysts are also well-known to those skilled in the art. These are characterized by the presence in the molecule of tie group -NZN- bonded to one or two organic radicals, preferably at least one of the bonds being to a tertiary carbon atom. By way of example of suitable azo-type catalysts can be mentioned a,a'azodiisobutyr onitrile, p-bromobenzenediazoniuin uoborate, N-nitrosop-bromoacetanilide, azomethane, phenyldiazonium halides, dazoaminobenzene, p-bromobenzenediazonium hydroxide, p-tolyldiazoarninobenzene. azo-type polymerization catalyst is used in small but catalytic amounts, which are generally not in excess of one percent by weight based upon the monomeric material. A suitable quantity is often in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 percent by weight.

Photopolymerization is another suitable procedure for carrying ou*L the present invention. This is ordinarily accomplished by irradiating the reaction mixture with ultraviolet light. Any suitable source of light is employed having7 eective amounts of light with wave lengths of 2,000 to 4,000 Angstrorn units. The vessel in which the polymerization is conducted should be transparent to light of the desired wave length so that the light can pass through the sides of the container. Suitable glasses are available commercially and include borosilicate (Pyrex), Vycor, and soft glass. Alternatively, the source of light can be placed directly over the surface of the monomer in a container or can be placed within the reaction mixture itself. ln some instances it is helpful to add a material that can be termed a photosensitizer, i. e., a material which increases the rate of photopolymerization, for example organic disuliides as described in U. S. Patent No. 2,460,105.

Choice of a suitable temperature for a given polymerization will readily be made by those skilled in the art The peroxy-type or Ll l) 7 Similarly, those skilled in having been given the benefit of the present disclosure. In general, suitable temperatures will be found within the range of 0 C. to 200 C., although temperatures outside this range are not beyond the scope of the invention in its broadest aspects. The time required for cornplete polymerization will depend not only upon the temperature but also upon the catalyst if any is employed, the ability of the system to remove heat of polymerization, and the particular monomers employed. T he examples set forth hereinafter give some illustrative in Aformation as to reaction times for particular polymerizations.

The term triangular coordinate graph as used herein is well understood. The accompanying figures are examples of such graphs and the use of same. However, f or sake of completeness the following statement can be made concerning the character of such triangular graphs. The graph is an equilateral triangle, divided olf by three series of parallel lines each series being parallel to one side of the triangle. The distance ybetween an apex of the triangle and the side opposite that apex represents variations in percentages of the component designated by that apex varying from 100 percent to 0 percent in equal increments running from the apex to the opposite side of the r triangle. For example, if the distance between the apex and the side of the triangle opposite the apex is divided into 100 equal parts by lines passing across the triangle and parallel to said side, each line represents 1 percent of the component for which that apex is designated. Thus, any point within the triangle represents a single threecomponent composition, the indicated percentages of the three components totaling 100 percent.

As an aid in the choice of suitable proportions of monomers for polymerization in accordance with the invention the following data on reactivity ratios of certain monomer pairs are presented by way of example. The values given are considered the best ones represented in the literature or otherwise known (see Copolymers by Alfrey, Bohrer and Mark, Interscience Publishers, Inc., 1952, pp. 32-43). ln many instances an attempt is made to set forth an approximate order of accuracy. These latter figures, expressed as plus or minus certain values, should not however be given too much credance since such attempts to evaluate possible errors are dependent to a considerable extent on subjective evaluation of the data. Most of the values for reactivity ratios given are for moderate temperatures, say between about room temperature (20 C.) and 100 C. Of course, the value of the reactivity ratios for a monomer pair is a function of temperature but the variation in reactivity ratios with temperature is quite small and is of little importance unless the polymerization is to be carried out at temperatures considerably removed from those mentioned. Likewise, the reactivity ratios given are for atmospheric or autogenous pressure. Only if the polymerization pressure is to be quite `considerably increased will there be an important change in the value of the reactivity ratios. It may also be pointed out that in the case of highly water-soluble monomers the reactivity ratio values may be shifted somewhat from those given, when polymerization is effected in an aqueous system. Those skilled in the art, having been given the benefit of the present disclosure, will be able to evaluate the effect, if any, of vreaction conditions on the values given herein and determine the extent of such effect.

the art can determine by wellknown procedures the correct reactivity ratios for monomer pairs not specifically set forth in the following tabulation, which tabulation is given by Way of example of some but not all of the monomers that are the subject matter of the present invention.

In the following tabulation styrene is considered as M1 and the other monomers in each instance are considered as M2. Substitution of the values for r1 and r2 in the -equation given above for the binary polymerization azeotrope composition permits an immediate determination of 9 the proper location for the two points to 4be placed on the triangular coordinate graph, between which points is drawn the line of clear terpolymers.

Where M1 is to be vinyltoluene or vinylxylene, the same reactivity ratios are used, on the assumption that the reactivity ratios for such systems do not differ essentially for the purposes of this invention from the reactivity ratios of the corresponding systems wherein styrene is M1. This assumes that the introduction of one or two methyl groups into the aromatic nucleus of styrene does not greatly alter the polarity and steric properties of the vinyl double bond. Likewise, when a monoalkyl fumarate other than monoethyl fumarate is to be used,.the reactivity ratios are assumed not to differ essentially for the purposes of this invention from the above reactivity ratios involving monoethyl fumarate. This assumes that a moderate change in the chain length of the alkyl group in the monoalkyl umarate from the two carbon atoms in the ethyl group o1' monoethyl fumarate, or a branching of the chain if such is present, does not greatly alter the polarity and steric properties of the vinyl double bond. Similar assumptions are made wth. respect to the various dialkyl fumarates as a group, and with respect to the various monoalkylmaleates as a group. Thus, although the reactivity ratios for styrene/dimethyl fumarate and for styrene/diethyl fumarate appear to differ considerable from each other, the values of the binary azeotrope `compositions for these two systems calculated from said different reactivity ratios, given in the table above, differ from each other by only two percentage points. Anyone skilled in the art, desiring greater precision, can use well-known standard procedures to determine the reactivity ratios for a given binary system not previously reported in the art. With monomers having fairly long chain alkyl groups, the reactivity ratios tend to dier considerably from those for the corresponding methyl monomer and hence should be individually determined. Whenever weight percent rather than mole percent is desired, as a matter of convenience, mole percentages of the binary azeotrope compositions are easily converted to weight percent -by use of the molecular weights of the particular M1 and M2. In the case of dialkyl fumarates, monoalkyl iumarates, and l monoalkyl maleates, any `of which can .be copolymerized vinylxylene as one of the monomers and any one of the nlonomers listed in group (b) as the other of the monomers, in the practice of this invention, special preference is given to the lower alkyl groups. Alkyl groups containing from l to 4 carbon atoms are particularly valuable, viz., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, see-butyl, tert-butyl. However, the invention is also applicable to the alkyl compounds mentioned, that contain alkyl gronpsof up to 8 carbon :atoms Vper alkyl group and even higher. ln the case of dialkyl fumarates, there are included those` dialkyl fumarates wherein both alkyl groups yare the same and those dialkyl fumarates wherein two different alkyl groups are present in the molecule.

lt is to be understood that (b) and (c) in a given mixture of three monomers can be members of the same general class dilering only in the alkyl group; for example, in a single monomeric mixture the (b.) and (c) monomers can be monomethyl fumarate and monobutyl fuinarate, or can oe dimethyl fumarate and dipropyl with any one of the monomers styrene, vinyl-toluene and VEach particular monomer mixture 10 fumarate, or can be monobutyl maleate and monoisopropyl maleate,-etc.

The following-examples illustrate some methods for practicing the present invention with respect to certain ternary mixtures of monomers. The general applicability of the invention, kand advantages thereof, are shown in these examples. It will be appreciated that variations can be made in the particular choice of monomers, proportions, and methods of polymerization in accordance with the general teachings of the present specification, and the examples are not to `be taken as coextensive with the invention in its broadest aspects.

Example 1 This example presents data on the ternary system styrene/methacrylic vacid/diethyl fumarate. The data obtained in this example are set forth graphically in Figure l of the drawings.

The composition'of the styrene/ diethyl fumarate binary azeotrope was calculated in the following manner according to the article by Mayo and Walling, Chemical Reviews, 46, 199 (1950). The value of 0.07 was used for r2 Styrene (M1)v Diethyl fumarate (M2) T1:

[M 1] 0.07 1 p [2142]030- 1 x 0.70 l '33 [M1] -1- [M2l=100 1.33 [M2] [M2] 100=2.3.3 [M2] [M 2]=42.9 mole percent diethyl fumarate [M 1] =5 7.1 mole percent styrene Molecular weight of diethyl fumarate: 172.2 Molecular weight of-styrene=.l04. 1 0.429X172.2= 74.0 Vgrams diethyl fumarate 0.571 104.1: 59.4 grams styrene 133.4 grams mixture (74.0 /133.4=55.4 weightpercent diethyl fumarate (59.4 100) /l33.4=44.6 weight percentl styrene The foregoing calculations rgive `:the composition of the styrene/ diethyl fumarate binary polymerization azeotrope as 44.6 weight percent styrene, 55.4 weight percent diethyl fumarate.

By `the same procedure, the binary polymerization azeo'- trope for styrene/methacrylic acid was calculated to `be 30.0 weight percent styrene, 70.0 Weight percent methacrylic acid.

A series of monomeric mixtures was made up, each mixture being prepared by admixture of the individual pure monomers in a Pyrex test 'tube 150 mm. long and having an internal diameter `within the approximate range of 14 to 18 mm., usually about 16 mm. Each test tube containing the particular monomeric mixture was ushed with nitrogen in order to remove any air present in the gas space above Vthe liquid, and the test tube was then sealed 01T at the top by heating the tube under nitrogen and pulling it out in the flame to seal the tube completely.

was prepared and polymerized in duplicate. VAro-bis-isobutyronitrile in the amount of 0.1 weight percent was used in one tube of each composition as polymerization catalyst, while the ither tube of each composition contained no added catayst.

After the various tubes containing the monomeric mixtures had been prepared, they were placed in a 90 C. constant temperature bath, and held there for 24 hours. At the end of that period they were moved to a C. constant temperature bath and held there for 24 hours. At the end of this second 24-hour period the tubes were removed and placed in an oven maintained at C and held therein for 8 hours.

The various monomeric compositions are set forth in detail in Table I. Table I designates each diierent mixture by sample number. Sample No. 1 is the binary styrene/methaerylic acid azeotrope composition. Sample No. is approximately the binary styrene/diethyl fumarate azeotrope composition. Samples 2, 3 and 4 have compositions which fall on a straight line connecting the two binary azeotrope compositions, when plotted on triangular coordinates. See Figure I. Samples 6 to 9, inclusive, were prepared with compositions lying lon the side of the line representing decreasing proportions of styrene monomer, and cover a variety of compositions spaced across the graph, points 6 and 9 representing binary mixture. of styrene/methacrylic acid and styrenc/ diethyl fumarate, respectively. Samples 10 to 14, inclusive, represent widely varying compositions on the opposite side of the line in the direction of increasing styrene content, with samples l0 and 13 being binary mixtures of styrene/methacrylic acid and styrene/diethyl fnmarate, respectively.

At the end of the polymerization cycle described above, all the polymers formed in the sealed tubes were carefully examined visually by the same observer, looking through the diameter of the cylindrical body of polymer obtained by breaking and removing the glass tube; this cylinder of polymer conformed to the internal shape and size of the glass tube. These visual observations were checked by other observers. It was determined that the clarity noted for polymer samples is not significantly affected by variation in polymer cylinder diameter within the range of about 14 to 18 millimeters. It is to be understood that where clarity of polymers is discussed herein, reference is made to the appearance on looking through a cylindrical body of the polymer having a diameter within the approximate range of 14 to 18 millimeters.

In the system of the present example, no significant differences with respect to clarity and color were observed between the samples containing no catalyst and the sarnples containing catalyst, with the exception that some of the latter samples were somewhat more bubbly than the samples containing no catalyst. The following words were adopted for describing the clarity of polymers.

C-Clear-essentially crystal clear H-Hazy-some cloudiness but slight T-Turbid-moderately cloudy O-Opaque-dense cloudiness-sirnilar to milk glass in appearance Clear means relatively free from gross amounts of hare but allows the presence of slight haze to be detected with close examination in strong light. Specific notation that a sample was crystal clear means not only that no haze was apparent to the observer, but also that the sample showed a sparkling appearance as found in high quality crystal glassware.

TABLE 1.--STYRENE/ METHACRYLIC ACID/ DL ETHYL FUMARATE TERPOLYMERS Composi- Appearance tion, Wt` Sample Percent No. S/MMA/ DEF Clarity Color 30/70/ C-Clear Colorless. 34/5l/15 .do D0. 38/32/30 C-Clear (crystal clear) Do. 42/l2/46 do D0. 45/0/55. C-Clear Colorless (very brittle). /85/0M.` C-Clear (v.sl.haze) Colorless. 15/55/30 H-Hazy (Opaque area of White.

microbuboles).

/25/55 T-Turbid (mierobubbles) De. /0/70 C-Clear Colorless 55/45/0... D 55/35/10 60/15/2 65/0/35... 75/l5/l0 o o Referring now to Figure I of the drawings, the clarity data given in Table I have been designated alongside cach of the corresponding ternary monomeric mixture compositions indicated by a point on n triangular coordinate plot. The various numerals on Figure I located adjacent the respective points refer to the sample number in Table I. All of the points marked C were rated as clear. lt may be noted that sample 6 contained a very slight haze but not sufficient to consider it other than essentially clear or to bring it from the clear rating into the hazy rating. Samples 3 and 4 were somewhat more brilliant than the other clear points.

Examination of Figure I immediately shows that terpol'yrners prepared 'from monomeric mixtures having compositions on the line joining the two binary azeotrope compositions were clear, as were several of the terpolymers prepared from monomeric mixtures having compositions lying within an area extending for a considerable distance on each side of the line. However, going away from the line in either direction sufficiently far gives polymers that are non-clear, viz., samples 7 and 8 on one side of the line and samples 13 and 14 on the other side of the line.

In Figure l the dashed lines drawn parallel to the line joining the two binary azeotrope compositions are 5 percent on each side of the line, i. e., each is a distance from the line equal to 5 percentage points of composition as determined by dividing the distance between an apex and the center of the opposite side of the triangle into equal equidistant parts; in other words, the two dashed lines are on opposite sides of and 5 graphical units distant 'from said line. Terpolymers prepared from monomeric mixtures having compositions lying between these two 5 percent lines `are preferred polymers of the present invention. However, this ternary system is one in which the area of clear terpolymers lying along the `line joining the two binary polymerization azeotropes is quite extensive on each side of the line.

Example 2 This example presents data en the ternary system vinyltoluene/methacrylic acid/ methacrylonitrile.

T he reactivity ratios for the system vinyltoluene/ methacrylic acid and for the system vinyltoluene/methacrylonitrile were assumed to be identical with the reactivity ratios of the corresponding systems styrene/methacrylic acid and styrene/methacrylonitrile, respectively. This assumes that the introduction of a methyl group into the aromatic nucleus of styrene does not greatly alter the polarity and steric properties of the vinyl double bond. Mole ratios for the two binary polymerization azeotropes were calculated in the manner described in the preceding example, and these were then converted to weight ratios,

employing the molecular weight of vinyltoluene in each instance instead of the molecular weight of styrene.

In this manner the binary polymerization azeotrope composition of vinyltoluene/methacrylic acid was calt culated to be 32.7 weight percent vinyltoluene, 67.3 t

13 The temperatures and times for polymerization for the various samples were as follows:

Sample 4 broke when being transferred to the 180 C. oven, but had already polymerized to solidity` and it was therefore possible. to make the usual observations on its clarity and color. Those samples which were maintained at 120 C. for 287 hours were given a longer period of time at 120 C. because they were slower to polymerize judging 'by the presence of small amounts of liquid'in the tubes after the period of 24 hours at 90 C. These samples were left in the 120 C.bath without close attention and it should not be inferred that 287 hours was r`equired to achieve the same conversion that was achieved in 24 hours with the other samples which were maintained for only 24 hours at 120 C.

The data for the tests made in this example are listed in Table II and plotted in Figure II of the drawings.

TABLE II. VINYLTOLUENE/METHACRYLONI- TREE/METHACRYLIC ACID TERPOLYMERS Composi- Do. Colorless to light yellow.

White. Very dark brown.

Yellow. Light yellow.

MN Methacrylonitrile. VT=Vinyltoluene.

MAA=Methacrylie acid.

The data of Table II, as plotted on Figure l1, again show the clarity of terpolymers prepared from monomeric mixtures whose composition is taken from the line joining the two binary polymerization azeotrope compositions. It will also be noted that the area of clear terpolymers lying along this line extends a considerable distance from the line. Thus, points 8' and 9 are clear; even here it is noted that the color is less with the composition nearer the line. Opaque points 6 and 7 establish that the area of clarity is limited on each side of the line.

As in Example 1, the dashed lines have been placed on the graph at a distance of 5 percent on each ,side of the line to indicate an area of preferred terpolymers.

While the invention has been described herein with particular reference to various preferred embodiments thereof, and examples have been given of suitable proportions and conditions, it will be appreciated that variations from the details given herein can be effected without departing from the invention. When desired, the terpolymers of the present invention can be blended with other polymers, plasticizers, solvents, fillers, pigments, dyes, stabilizers, and the like, in accordance with the particular use intended.

We claim:

1. Aclear terpolymer prepared by free-radical-initiated batch polymerization of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, meth- -acrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a diterent monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line join ing the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph.

2. A terpolymer according to claim l wherein (a) is styrene.

3. A terpolymer according to claim 1 wherein (a) is vinyltoluene.

4. A terpolymer according to claim l wherein one of said monomers is methacrylic acid. 5. A terpolymer according to claim` 1 wherein one of said monomers is a dialkyl fumarate.

6. A terpolymer according to claim 1 wherein one of said monomers is methacrylonitrile.

7. A terpolymer according to claim l wherein one of said monomers is methacrylic -acid and (a) is styrene.

8. A terpolymer according to claim 1 wherein one of said monomers is methacrylic acid and (a) is vinyltoluene.

9. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radical-initiated batch mass polymerization Iof a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile,

monoallcyl fumarate, monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a dif-' ferent monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers insaid monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph.

10. A terpolymer accordingto claim 9 wherein (a) is styrene.

11. A terpolymer according to claim 9 wherein (a) is vinyltoluene. I

12. A terpolymer according to claim 9 wherein said three monomers are styrene, methacrylic acid, and diethyl fumarate.

13. A terpolymer according to claim 9 wherein said three monomers are vinyltoluene, methacrylic acid, and methacrylonitrile.

14. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radical-initiated batch polymerization to a conversion of at least 20 Weight percent of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, monoallcyl maleate, and (c) a dilferent monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph.

15. A polymerization process which comprises forming a three-component monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene,

vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,

dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a diierent monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph, and subjecting a batch of said monomeric mixture to free-radical-initiated batch polymerization forming an essentially clear homogeneous high molecular weight terpolymer.

16. A polymerization process according to claim 15 wherein said polymerization is elected in mass.

17. A polymerization process according to claim 15 wherein (a) is styrene.

18. A polymerization process according to claim 15 wherein (a) is vinyltoluene.

19, A polymerization process according to claim 15` wherein one of said monomers is methacrylie acid,

. 20. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radical-initiated batch polymerization of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile, monoalkyl fumarate, monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a different monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph, with the further limitation that said proportions of the three monomers are restricted tothe area of said graph bounded by two lines on opposite sides of and parallel to and graphical units distant from said line. 21. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radicalinitiated batch polymerization of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyltoluene, and vinylxylene, (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, dialkyl fumarate, methacrylonitrile,

Cil

monoalkyl fumarate, monoalkyl maleate, and (c) a different monomer selected from said group, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being designated by the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of the particular (a) and the particular (b) on the one hand and the particular (a) and the particular (c) on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph.

22. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radicalinitiated batch mass polymerization of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) styrene, (b) methacrylic acid, and (c)diethy1 fumarate, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of styrene and methacrylc acid on the one hand and styrene and diethyl umarate on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph, with the further limitation that said pro portions of the three monomers are restricted to the area of said graph bounded by two lines on opposite sides of and parallel to and 5 graphical units distant from said line.

23. A clear terpolymer prepared by free-radicalinitiated batch mass polymerization of a monomeric mixture consisting of (a) vinyltoluene, (b) methacrylic acid, and (c) methacrylonitrile, the proportions of the three monomers in said monomeric mixture being limited to those in the area of mixtures that produce clear terpolymers, said area encompassing the line joining the polymerization azeotrope composition of vinyltoluene and methacrylic acid on the one hand and vinyltoluene and methacrylonitrile on the other hand as plotted on an equilateral triangular coordinate graph, With the further limitation that said proportions of the three monomers are restricted to the area of said graph bounded by two lines on opposite sides of and parallel to and 5 graphical units distant from said line.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,486,241 Arnold Oct. 25, 1949 2,604,457 Segall et al. July 22, 1952 OTHER REFERENCES Alfrey et al.: Copolymerization Interscience, 1952, pp. 123-124, 128 and 129. (Copy in Scientific Library.) 

1. A CLEAR TERPOLYMER PREPARED BY FREE-RADICAL-INTIIATED BATCH POLYMERIZATION OF A MONOMERIC MIXTURE CONSISTING OF (A) A MONOMER SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF STYRENE, VINYLTOLUENE, AND VINYLXYLENE, (B) A MONOMER SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF ACRYLIC ACID, METHACRYLIC ACID, DIALKYL FUMARATE, METHACRYLONITRILE, MONOALKYL FUMARATE, MONOALKYL MALEATE, AND (C) A DIFFERENT MONOMER SELECTED FROM SAID GROUP, THE PROPORTIONS OF THE THREE MONOMERS IN SAID MONOMERIC MIXTURE BEING LIMITED TO THOSE IN THE AREA OF MIXTURES THAT PRODUCE CLEAR TERPOLYMERS, SAID AREA ENCOMPASSING THE LINE JOINING THE POLYMERIZATION AZEOTROPE COMPOSITION OF THE PARTICULAR (A) AND THE PARTICULAR (B) ON THE ONE HAND AND THE PARTICULAR (A) AND THE PARTICULAR (C) ON THE OTHER HAND AS PLOTTED ON AN EQUILATERAL TRINGULAR COORDINATE GRAPH. 